Two Adelaide summer institutions celebrate big birthdays next year, and the first names are in.
Adelaide’s festival season is still months away, but two of its fixtures have already announced their first acts, and both are marking milestones.
WOMADelaide turns 35 when it returns to Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from 5–8 March 2027, and its first lineup nods to every era of the festival. British dance duo Underworld headline, joining the previously announced Leon Bridges, Madness and Tinariwen. Grammy-nominated Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara, known for collaborations with Damon Albarn and Oumou Sangaré, is also on the bill.
For long-time festivalgoers, the returning acts are the real draw. Violin virtuoso Dr L. Subramaniam, who played the very first WOMADelaide in 1992, comes back to where it all began. Christine Anu also returns, three decades after her 1995 and 1997 appearances. Ukraine’s DakhaBrakha, Turkish psych-folk band Altın Gün and the first Bhutanese group ever to play the festival complete a wide-ranging bill.
“The spirit of discovery, connection and celebration that sparked WOMADelaide in 1992 is as alive today as ever,” says director Ian Scobie AM.
Across town, The Garden of Unearthly Delights celebrates its 25th season in Rundle Park/Kadlitpina with a comedy-heavy first announcement. Denise Scott makes her solo return after more than a decade with Tickety Boo (2–7 March), blending observational comedy with reflections on sanity and resilience. Jimeoin follows with Ballyhoo (18–21 March). For those who prefer their Fringe with circus and spectacle, Strut & Fret’s biggest production yet, Loca Vida, runs from 12 February to 21 March.
WOMADelaide tickets are on sale now, with more artists still to be announced, and presale tickets for The Garden’s headline shows are available. Both festivals tend to sell out, so it pays to book early.
Find out more: womadelaide.com.au | gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au
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